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Networking Tips For LinkedIn

Networking Tips For LinkedIn

By Dawn Stanyon, AICI FLC, Professional Image Expert

Unless you’re living under a rock (which does sound appealing on certain busy days…), you know that LinkedIn is a social networking site where professionals connect. Whether you are on a solid career path, looking for a job or are just interested in building a virtual community for sharing ideas and opinions, LinkedIn might be the place for you. Here at Emily Post, we believe that face-to-face connections are the most powerful; however, there is no denying that social networking is here to stay, and we all need to learn how to use it to build relationships.

Here are five tips for growing your social network on LinkedIn.

Make your profile an extension of your personal brand. What are your three top attributes? Determined, hard working and professional? Is that truly reflected in your profile picture, the language you use in describing your current and former jobs and your connections?

Use a professional – or at least good looking – head shot. Cartoon characters, tropical vacation shots and pictures of your baby are for Facebook (maybe…). If you want to be seen as an expert in your field, you have to look like an expert on your profile page.

The more information, the better. Don’t be stingy with your resume information – you want people to be able to see how amazing you are. Corporate recruiters and other HR-type professionals can search LinkedIn to find the “right” people. Make sure your attributes, skills and experience are fleshed out on your profile.

Join or create “Groups.” Relationships don’t just happen – they take effort and nurturing, and groups are a way to interact with other LinkedIn users with similar interests. I am in several groups: a training and development group; an image consultants group; an etiquette experts group; and a table manners group(!). You don’t have to respond to every topic – pick and choose and answer thoughtful. Actually create conversations to engage members.